The Essence of a Yokefellowship

The Yokefellowship model sees God’s Word and God’s will being discovered in the dialogue in the small group. That dialogue focuses on three essential goals: building sound, caring fellowship, disciplined living and intentional ministry.

Caring Fellowship

The first goal of a Yokefellows group is to create a warm, accepting and caring fellowship where individuals feel comfortable and free to participate. This is Christ at work in the midst. His Spirit is present, bringing a sense of love, understanding and care to the group. He creates a unity in which discussion, sharing and mutual support work toward the stimulation of spiritual growth. Without this essential atmosphere, the group is little more than a glorified discussion group.

Disciplined Living

Jesus’ word of invitation to “take my yoke and learn of me” in essence is a call to discipleship. The Word tells the story:

• Disciple – learner

• Discipline – commitment to learn

• Christian Discipleship – learning Jesus’ way.

Yokefellows seek to challenge persons to exercise their discipleship by seven basic disciplines of the Christian faith found in the Marks of a Yokefellow. A Yokefellow’s group receives a call to accept these disciplines and practices them.

Intentional Ministry

All who follow Jesus are ministers of His Kingdom. Jesus’ yoke is also His mission – to redeem all of life and to transform persons and society into a divine community. D. Elton Trueblood, founder of the Yokefellows international movement describes it as ministry in the common life — making every aspect of life an arena in which we interpret and apply the ways of the Lord.